Christian Men and Women

Saint Martin of Tours

Martin was born in Hungary about the year 316 and he was brought up in Italy. At the age of 15 Martin joined the Roman army and he was baptised a Christian at the age of 18.

One of the famous stories about Martin is that on a very cold day he saw a man who was freezing cold, poorly dressed and begging for people to help. Martin used his sword and cut his coat into two pieces and gave one piece to the beggar. That night when he was asleep Martin dreamt that he saw Jesus wearing half the coat that he had given to the beggar.

When he was 23 Martin became a priest and moved to France where he taught about the word of God in the countryside for many years.

The people of Tours were so impressed by him that they insisted that he became their bishop. The Pope agreed and he became the most famous Bishop of the 4th century. Saint Martin died in 397.

Some of his virtues were Justice, Faith and Love (Charity).